Review Tales
Trusted Reviews and Author Features Since 2016
A Story About Pizza by Erica D’Arcangelo (Book Review #1979)
Erica D’Arcangelo’s *A Story About Pizza* is a heartwarming and nostalgic journey through the life of her grandfather, Pietro, an Italian immigrant whose dream was to bring a piece of his homeland to the bustling streets of Windber, Pennsylvania. Through the lens of Pietro’s journey, D’Arcangelo weaves a touching narrative about the trials and triumphs of Italian-American immigrants, the cultural fusion that shaped their lives, and the enduring legacy of family tradition, all centered around the beloved dish—pizza.
Read MoreBlithe Haven, The Red Harvest by B.R. Doughtry (Book Review #1978)
*Blithe Haven, The Red Harvest* by B.R. Doughtry is a dark, thrilling fantasy set in a post-apocalyptic world where a great cataclysm has altered the course of human civilization. Five centuries after this catastrophic event, the remnants of society have turned to worship the ancient gods, with a brutal system of rituals, sacrifice, and power dynamics ruling the land.
Read MoreNicholas Foxe and the by Lost Gold of Pompeii by Jackson Coppley (Book Review #1977)
*Nicholas Foxe and the Lost Gold of Pompeii* by Jackson Coppley is an exhilarating historical mystery that blends adventure, romance, and ancient intrigue. The novel follows Nicholas Foxe and his newlywed wife, Nina, on a honeymoon that quickly turns into a high-stakes treasure hunt. The couple is thrust into a dangerous race against time when a mysterious stranger reveals the existence of a legendary Roman treasure buried beneath the ashes of Pompeii.
The plot is fast-paced and packed with twists and turns as Nicholas and Nina navigate a perilous journey from the busy streets of New York to the ancient ruins of Pompeii in Italy. The story excels in its ability to intertwine modern-day suspense with the historical allure of Pompeii, a city frozen in time after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. As the couple decodes cryptic messages and faces off against ruthless treasure hunters, readers are pulled deeper into the mystery of the lost Roman gold.
Copley does an excellent job of creating tension throughout the novel. Nicholas and Nina’s relationship is central to the story, and their bond is tested as they confront dangerous adversaries and solve puzzles that seem to have been left by ancient civilizations to protect their treasures. The chemistry between the characters adds emotional depth to the action-packed narrative, making the stakes feel even higher.
The treasure hunt itself is a perfect blend of historical discovery and thrilling adventure. The cryptic messages and hidden clues offer just the right amount of challenge for readers, making the unraveling of Pompeii’s secrets both engaging and rewarding. Copley successfully captures the atmosphere of both New York and Pompeii with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the heart of the mystery.
Fans of historical mysteries and adventure stories will find *Nicholas Foxe and the Lost Gold of Pompeii* a captivating read. It’s a perfect choice for anyone who loves tales of treasure hunting, ancient secrets, and the enduring allure of Roman history. With its blend of suspense, romance, and high-octane adventure, this novel is an exciting ride from start to finish.
Written Jeyran Main
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First Command by Michael Simon
Combine a passion for writing with an endless universe of ideas and one quickly realizes there are simply not enough hours in the day. That’s the position I found myself in for years; trying to juggle a full-time job and the urge to squeeze in a few minutes of frantic scribbling whenever possible.
Read MoreWords Across Places and Times by Alnoor Alnoor
As a child, the sky held mysteries beyond comprehension. With age, the girl next door became one too, along with the perplexing reasons behind laughter, anger, and the fine line between right and wrong. What wasn’t a mystery? Nearly nothing.
Read MoreRemnant by Katie Sweeting (Book Review #1976)
Katie Sweeting’s Remnant is an evocative and deeply moving historical novel that captures the resilience, courage, and unbreakable ties of family in the face of unimaginable adversity. This dual narrative spans continents and decades, weaving together the lives of two remarkable women—Olu and Joanna Vassa—whose stories are inextricably linked by the brutal legacy of slavery. Through their journeys, Sweeting crafts a poignant tale that is as much about survival as it is about the enduring power of hope.
Read MoreGreenwich Connection by Richard Natale (Book Review #1975)
Richard Natale’s Greenwich Connection is a masterful tapestry of LGBTQ life, told through a poignant blend of historical insight and compelling character-driven narratives. The book begins with a heart-wrenching novella set in the aftermath of World War II, capturing the emotional weight of a time when queer individuals were forced into the shadows. Natale skillfully evokes the tension between societal expectations and personal authenticity, creating a vivid portrait of mid-20th-century life.
Read MoreThe Owlbear and the Omens (Collected Edition)Â by Aengie Scevity (Book Review #1974)
Aengie Scevity’s The Owlbear and the Omens is a sprawling epic of political intrigue, power struggles, and self-discovery set against the richly imagined backdrop of Great Leven. This fantasy tale combines nuanced world-building, morally complex characters, and a compelling narrative of survival and leadership, creating an immersive experience for readers who enjoy high-stakes drama with emotional depth.
The story centers on Princess Phosphoria, a young woman desperate to escape her grim fate in her father’s harem by securing her place as heir to her brother’s throne. Scevity expertly portrays Phosphoria’s journey as she faces challenges that force her to balance diplomacy, deception, and personal sacrifice. Her trials for marriage—a blend of political necessity and personal strategy—serve as the narrative’s heartbeat, weaving in romance, danger, and betrayal.
Paralleling her journey is Osbeorn, the lost prince turned gladiator, whose quest for redemption and purpose adds emotional weight to the narrative. His character arc, from a broken man haunted by violence to a king reclaiming his legacy, is both poignant and empowering. The chemistry and evolving relationship between Phosphoria and Osbeorn drive the story’s emotional core, offering a delicate exploration of trust and shared ambition amidst the chaos.
The inclusion of magick—most notably the omens—and the divine presence of the Owlbear injects an intriguing mystical layer to the story. Phosphoria’s struggle with her “blessing” underscores her growth, as she learns that wisdom and truth must be earned through hardship and introspection. This theme resonates deeply, lending the tale a philosophical dimension that elevates it beyond a traditional fantasy epic.
Scevity’s world-building is meticulous, from the treacherous politics of harems to the fractured alliances between realms. Each trial, marriage, and betrayal is laden with consequences that ripple through the plot. The secondary characters, such as Leonhard and Aleksandre, add richness to the narrative, though their betrayals and motives occasionally threaten to overshadow the central conflict.
At 657 pages, the novel’s length is both a strength and a potential challenge for some readers. While the detailed storytelling enriches the world and its characters, it also demands patience as the intricate web of alliances and deceptions unfolds.
Ultimately, The Owlbear and the Omens is an ambitious tale that rewards its readers with a gripping narrative filled with twists, layered characters, and a satisfying conclusion. Scevity deftly ties personal growth to political survival, delivering a story that feels as intimate as it is epic. Fans of courtly intrigue, morally ambiguous protagonists, and richly developed fantasy worlds will find much to enjoy in this masterful work.
Written by Jeyran Main
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Made of Iron by Adam Knight (Book Review #1973)
The Unyielding Spirit of Dina Jacobson in Made of Iron
In Made of Iron: The Dina Jacobson Story, Adam Knight presents a moving account of resilience and hope against the backdrop of one of history’s darkest periods. Set in 1939 Southern Poland, the story introduces Dina, a young Jewish woman whose dreams of marriage and family are shattered by the outbreak of war. As the realities of conflict close in, Dina’s life takes a harrowing turn that leads her to the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp.
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